Survivors of child sexual abuse - pregnancy

Many women have experienced sexual abuse as a child. While some women do not have long term effects, others may experience a significant impact on many parts of their lives including pregnancy, birth and mothering.

Even when the long term effects are small or non existent some women have been surprised and distressed by the feelings or memories that came up when they got pregnant, gave birth or mothered their child.

Women have described the following concerns or feelings. Some or all may be relevant to you. On the other hand none may be relevant for you right now but they might come up later. There is no way to predict exactly what might happen.

Whatever your experience, if you have been sexually abused as a child it may be worth talking about it to a midwife or doctor you trust so that you can get the right support.

The Domestic Violence Resource Centre, Victoria has published a booklet which has ideas about how to take control in what may be a difficult and distressing time.

Concerns about whether you might lose your pregnancy because your body has been damaged by the abuse.

Worries about loss of control over your body during the pregnancy.

Concerns about putting on weight.

Concerns about whether your unborn child is a boy or a girl.

You may not want to have a male doctor or midwife because a man was responsible for the childhood sexual abuse (or a woman if relevant).

Vaginal examinations may be uncomfortable and traumatic. To help you feel more comfortable and in control of your body, ask questions of your doctor or midwife, so that you know what is happening and why.

Concerns that a doctor or midwife might notice you are damaged even if you don't have scars.

Fear about being touched without consent.

Fear of loss of control.

Research has shown that birthing is the most likely time for problems to occur. Some women have experienced extreme distress, flashbacks or a feeling of not being present (sometimes called dissociation).